The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announces the acceptance of a valid U.S. passport card when applying for a first-time driver license (DL) or identification card (ID). The DMV included the U.S. passport card in the list of approved legal presence documents starting on April 3, 2017.

“We added the U.S. passport card to offer more options for our customers,” said DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. “The passport card is secure, more convenient, and less expensive than a passport book and it will help new driver license and ID card applicants establish their legal presence.”

Millions of people have applied for and received a U.S. passport card from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs since they became available in 2008. The verification process and security features in the card are similar to a passport book, which the DMV currently accepts. The DMV determined that the passport card is a readily available and secure document that will help in establishing the applicant’s legal presence.

First-time driver license applicants must make an appointment before visiting a DMV field office. Walk-ins are only accepted at Driver License Processing Centers.

The DMV has a helpful webpage that features the requirements for driver license and ID card applicants. To apply for an original driver license or ID card, customers must complete a Driver License or Identification Card Application form (DL 44), give a thumb print, have their picture taken, provide their social security number, and verify their birth date, legal presence, and California residency.

The DMV reminds all new DL and ID card applicants that they must provide proof of California residency. The residency requirement law went into effect July 1, 2016. For more information about the residency requirement visit the DMV website.

For more information about the U.S. passport card and how to apply, visit the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website.